What a productive first two weeks it has been! I love getting to know our new 3rd graders, even though I've only seen them two times so far! Here is an update on what each grade has done these first two weeks. I tried to get a few pictures, but we were very busy!
3rd Grade:
On the first day we read the book "You Be You" by Linda Kranz. We talked about how each one of us is unique and I expect their artwork to reflect who they are. We also discussed what it means to be empathetic and embrace each and every one of our differences. Students designed and added color to a rock which they placed in our "Rain River" in our court yard.
On the second day, students solved puzzles and cracked a secret code to learn about our art room Essential Agreements (our rules and expectations), and how these expectations connect to showing HEART in art. They worked together as a team and searched around the room to find their secret message.
4th Grade:
On the first day we read the book "The Dot" by Peter Reynolds. We talked about how the art room is a place for students to express themselves and how I do not have a "one way" approach to art-making. There are many answers to one artistic problem, therefore I do not expect each student's artwork to look alike. We talked about having confidence in ourselves, even when trying something new is difficult. Students made clay dots to remind themselves of this book, by finding textures around the room and pushing the clay into the object. We will be painting these next week!
On the second day, students watched a video of me giving them a tour of the art room. Then they went on a scavenger hunt around the room to find all of the important places in real life. We are going to work on being independent in the art room this year by being knowledgeable about where everything is!
5th Grade:
On the first day we created a clay flower pot and talked about what it takes to make a plant grow. Students determined they would need patience and responsibility to grow a plant. I told them just like growing a plant, they need to have patience and responsibility to grow and learn as an artist. Students will be learning many new things as 5th graders and these new things may push them outside of their comfort zone, but rather than giving up when things are difficult, we will push on! Students will get some flower seeds or a succulent leaf to grow this year in their clay flower pot to practice patience and responsibility! We will paint our clay pots next week!
On the second day, students watched a video of me giving them a tour of the art room. Then they went on a scavenger hunt around the room to find all of the important places in real life. We are going to work on being independent in the art room this year by being knowledgeable about where everything is!
